Updated publication helps beef producers develop growth implant strategy
6/25/26
AMES, Iowa - When used as part of a proper strategy, growth implants for beef cattle can increase daily gains by up to 20%, improve efficiency by up to 15%, and reduce production costs by at least 10%. A variety of implants and options are available; each should be considered before implementing a program. Few technologies offer a greater return on investment than implants, and a newly updated publication from Iowa Beef Center can help producers with these decisions.
IBC director and Iowa State University extension feedlot specialist Aimee Wertz-Lutz said it’s vital to develop a strategy and find the right implants for that strategy.
"As of spring 2026, more than 20 implant brands are available for growing-finishing cattle," she said. "And while implants with a similar active ingredient composition should yield somewhat similar responses, the decision on which to use should be based on price, convenience, availability, approval for the stage of production, and general preference."
The publication focuses on implant brand names, active ingredients, intended use, and whether a re-implant option exists for cattle in the "Growing Beef Cattle in a Drylot" and "Growing Beef Cattle Fed in Confinement for Slaughter" phases, respectively. It also includes information on implant administration and placement, and how to select different types of implants.
Wertz-Lutz said producers should remember that the most important implant administered is the one given just before cattle are sold. This publication provides information to inform producers of their options, including individual marketing systems as considerations for appropriate implant programs.
The publication, "Growth-Promoting Implants for Drylot Growing Beef Cattle and Cattle Fed in Confinement for Slaughter" (IBC 113) is available as a free pdf download from the ISU Extension store.
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The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University was established in 1996 with the goal of supporting the growth and vitality of the state’s beef cattle industry. It comprises faculty and staff from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, and works to develop and deliver the latest research-based information regarding the beef cattle industry. For more information about IBC, visit www.iowabeefcenter.org.
Contact:
Aimee Wertz-Lutz, Iowa Beef Center director and Iowa State University extension feedlot specialist, 515-294-1058, aimeewl@iastate.edu
